Emergency Medical Services: Paramedic
This degree prepares you to offer pre-hospital care as a paramedic under structured guidelines in emergency situations.
This is a G3 program. Students may qualify for free tuition, fees and books.
Career Pathway
Program Dean
Faculty Contact
Academic Advisors
Deanne McDaniel
Student last name starts with A-M
Kim Phillips
Student last name starts with N-Z
Program
Credit Hours
Program Information
The problem-solving process is used to direct care outcomes. The curriculum consists of both general studies and EMS courses.
National Registry Exam: EMS program graduates are eligible to sit for the national registry exam, which is offered throughout the year. Upon successful completion of this examination, candidates receive their National Registry Paramedic certification. This is required prior to applying for the reciprocity as a Virginia paramedic. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services will only grant certification as a paramedic in Virginia through initial certification and reciprocity afforded through the National Registry.
Occupational Objective: Employment opportunities for National Registry/Virginia-licensed paramedics include hospital emergency rooms, rescue squads, ambulance companies and other public and private agencies providing pre-hospital care.
Program Outcomes
| Year | NR Written Exam Pass Rate | NR Skills Exam Pass Rate | Retention | Positive Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 83.3% | 100% | 60% | 83.3% |
| 2021 | 100% | 100% | 26% | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% | 100% | 60.7% | 88.2% |
| 2019 | 100% | 100% | 77.3% | 88.2% |
| 2018 | 82% | 100% | 77% | 100% |
| 2017 | 88% | 100% | 78.6% | 83% |
| 2016 | 86% | 100% | 82% | 100% |
Admission Requirements
In addition to admission to the College, there are specific admission requirements for this program. These requirements may change on an annual basis, and students can find the most up-to-date information in a booklet on the program’s web page or in the Admission and Advising Center, and in the Health and Life Sciences Division office.
Paramedic A.A.S. Admissions Information Book Fall 2025 Cycle
Information Sessions
Information sessions are provided each application cycle for prospective students. The purpose of these sessions is to help students to decide if this program and profession will be right for them, and to walk students through the application and admissions process. Attendees will also be able to ask the faculty questions about the program and the profession.
Attendance at an information session is strongly encouraged for all students. Refer to the current Admissions Information Book for information regarding whether your application will be ranked based on attendance.
Space is limited and registration is required for attendance. Please register via SignUp Genius for one of the information sessions.
The following dates have been scheduled for the Fall 2024 semester:
- Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm in Keats Science Building K106 and via Zoom
- Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm in Keats Science Building K106 and via Zoom
- Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm in Keats Science Building K106 and via Zoom
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 6:00-8:00pm in Keats Science Building K106 and via Zoom
Apply for Admission
Applications are accepted through the Health and Life Sciences Application Portal. Hardcopy applications and applications received outside of the portal will not be considered for admission. Applying to other health sciences programs has no impact on an applicant’s qualifications for this program. Applications for previous years are not valid for current or future application years.
All applicants must be current PVCC students to begin their health sciences application. If you are not a current PVCC student, please click the “Apply Now” link at the top of this page and complete a VCCS/PVCC application.
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort open at 9:00am on February 3, 2025 and will close at 5:00pm on July 1, 2025.
Sign into the Health and Life Sciences Application Portal to begin your application.
Graduation Requirements
Students in all degree programs are required to take at least one Civic Engagement (CE) course to graduate.